Leicester’s city centre is set to shine once again as Light Up Leicester returns from 12-15 March 2025.
Over four dazzling nights, the festival will transform the city with an exciting programme of illuminated artworks, interactive performances, and vibrant community events, all completely free to attend.
As a proud partner in delivering Light Up Leicester, alongside Leicester City Council, Leicester Cathedral, and Art Reach., BID Leicester is taking the lead on the festival’s marketing campaign and helping to ensure businesses across the city centre can capitalise on the event’s success. With over 80,000 visitors in 2022, this year promises even greater footfall, with a huge programme of installations, events, parades and family-friendly activities, providing fantastic opportunities for businesses to get involved and thrive.
The festival features an impressive lineup of artworks and performances:
- Double Flux and Hula Hoop: Two mesmerising installations by Paris-based Collectif Scale, combining movement, music, and digital technology to create dynamic light sculptures.
- Evanescent: A glowing playground of giant bubbles by Atelier Sisu, captivating audiences with its magical colour and light.
- Cathedral, Culture and Crown: A stunning projection by Leicester-based MBD, transforming Leicester Cathedral with a mix of light, sound, and storytelling.
- The Beacon: A dramatic 2km-high column of light projected into the sky by artist Tom Campbell.
- Performances include parades by Inspirate and Nupur Arts, an illuminated bike ride, and the grand finale by Compagnie des Quidams’ Fiers à Cheval, featuring majestic illuminated horses.
Businesses can join the festival by offering shop window space for a city-wide photographic exhibition created by local schools and Urban Canvas. This trail will display dynamic light-themed artworks in shop windows across the city centre.
BID Leicester Director Simon Jenner encouraged businesses to get involved:
“Light Up Leicester is a brilliant opportunity to showcase Leicester’s vibrant city centre and attract thousands of visitors. We’re inviting businesses to host window displays or create special offers and menus to capitalise on the high footfall the festival brings. Our Street Ambassadors will be visiting businesses over the coming weeks to discuss how you can be part of this exciting event.”
From illuminated rickshaw rides and walking tours to a bustling night market on Gallowtree Gate, Light Up Leicester 2025 offers something for everyone. Businesses are also encouraged to create themed promotions or offers to enhance the festival experience for visitors.
For more information on how to get involved, contact the BID Leicester team or Art Reach for Light Painting Trail opportunities at [email protected].
Full programme details, including locations, times, and accessibility information, are now live on the festival website: lightupleicester.com.
Light Up Leicester 2025 is delivered by Leicester City Council, BID Leicester, Leicester Cathedral, and Art Reach, with the generous support of Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Global Streets, PPL PRS, and headline sponsor Highcross.